Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, who recently emerged as the Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year 2024/2025, has approved significant investments to boost Islamic and religious related initiatives, without losing focus on other core areas of the state’s growth and development.
The government has earmarked N3.5 billion for the development of Tsangaya education, aimed at improving the traditional Qur’anic learning system, and another N2.6 billion to support the state’s 2026 Hajj operations, reflecting its commitment to educational and spiritual development.
Jigawa earmarks N3.5bn for Tsangaya education
The Jigawa Government says, in Dutse on Wednesday, that it has earmarked N3.5 billion for the development of Tsangaya education in the state.
Dr Abubakar Maje, the Executive Secretary, Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board, said this after defending the boards’ budget for the 2026 fiscal year before the Jigawa State House of Assembly Committee on Basic Education.
Maje said the amount covered both capital and recurrent expenditures of the board in 2026.
He said that part of the money would be used for the completion of three mega tsangaya schools in Kafin Hausa, Ringim and Dutse Local Government Areas of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Tsangaya school is a traditional West African (especially Nigerian Hausa) Islamic educational system focused on Quranic memorisation, Arabic, and Islamic values, run by a teacher (Malam) with students using wooden slates (Allo)
The executive secretary said that skill acquisition centres, teacher accommodations mosques, water and electricity, would be provided in each of the three mega schools.
According to him, part of the money will also be used for work continuation at seven tsangaya schools the state inherited from the Federal Government.
“One of the major works we have in this budget is the construction of new reading sheds, and classes at 60 tsangaya schools established across the 30 constituencies in the state.
“Also, we will build toilets in all the schools since almajiri have been identified as one of the major contributors to open defecation. So, we planned to provide adequate toilets in our 30 major tsangaya schools across the state.
“This initiative is aimed at providing access to education to over 6,000 children across the state,” Maje said.
He further stated that the money would also be used to finance the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Education (NBAIS) programme and the Accelerated Basic Education Program (ABEP) introduced by the federal government.
“It will also be used to procure more instructional materials, beds and mattresses aside others,” he said.
Jigawa approves N2.6 billion for 2026 Hajj operations
In another development, the commissioner for information, youth, sport, and culture, Sagir Musa, disclosed this while briefing journalists shortly after the state’s weekly executive council meeting on Thursday in Dutse.
He said the approval followed a presentation by the secretary to the state government (SSG), Bala Ibrahim, who highlighted the financial requirements for the entire exercise.
The presentation, according to Mr Musa, highlighted the necessity to ensure smooth planning, coordination, and execution of all activities related to the 2026 Hajj exercise.
“The funds will cover logistics, welfare, medical services, administrative arrangements, and other essential components, aimed at guaranteeing a safe, organised, and successful pilgrimage for Jigawa intending pilgrims.
“The state government is committed to supporting the spiritual aspirations of its citizens, while ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
“The council is assuring the public that all relevant agencies will work diligently to deliver seamless Hajj operations, in line with global best practices,” Mr Musa assured.
In a similar vein, the commissioner revealed that the council had also approved a consultancy service fee of over ₦ 374 million for the 560-unit housing development in the state.
“In line with the present administration’s commitment to delivering high-quality housing infrastructure across the state, there is a need to engage a competent consultancy firm to provide the technical expertise.
“The construction of 560 units of three-bedroom detached and 2-bedroom semi-detached houses statewide is approved. This is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to standards and efficient project management.
“It is also meant to ensure a successful delivery of durable, modern, and affordable housing units that meet the needs of Jigawa citizens,” Mr Musa revealed.
(NAN)
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